U.S. patent application number 12/062200 was filed with the patent office on 2009-10-08 for cleaning tool assembly with a disposable cleaning implement.
Invention is credited to Russell E. Bell, Douglas J. Minkler.
Application Number | 20090249572 12/062200 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41131876 |
Filed Date | 2009-10-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090249572 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Minkler; Douglas J. ; et
al. |
October 8, 2009 |
Cleaning Tool Assembly With A Disposable Cleaning Implement
Abstract
A cleaning assembly including a disposable cleaning implement
having a cleaning element mounted to a fitment having an elongated
post. The cleaning assembly includes an elongated maneuvering wand
having a handle portion and a distal implement attachment end
thereof. A gripping mechanism is coupled to the wand attachment
end, and is configured to releasably grip the fitment post to mount
the cleaning implement. The gripping mechanism and the maneuvering
wand cooperate to substantially limited pivotal movement of a
longitudinal axis of the fitment post, relative a longitudinal axis
of the gripping mechanism to not more than about 0 degrees to about
25 degrees when the fitment post is subjected to forces radial to
the longitudinal axis of the fitment post. In another aspect, the
frictional drag between the sliding components is significantly
reduced, enabling a tool assembly with a high axial holding force
for the cleaning implement, but with a significantly lower,
consumer friendly release force for the implement during release
operation of the tool assembly.
Inventors: |
Minkler; Douglas J.;
(Oakland, CA) ; Bell; Russell E.; (Oakland,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Monica H. Winghart;The Clorox Company
P. O. Box 24305
Oakland
CA
94623-1305
US
|
Family ID: |
41131876 |
Appl. No.: |
12/062200 |
Filed: |
April 3, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/210.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 11/10 20130101;
A47L 13/46 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/210.1 |
International
Class: |
A47L 13/10 20060101
A47L013/10 |
Claims
1. A cleaning assembly comprising: a disposable cleaning implement
having a cleaning element mounted to a fitment having an elongated
post; an elongated maneuvering wand having a handle portion and a
distal implement attachment end thereof; and a gripping mechanism
coupled to the wand attachment end, and configured to releasably
grip the fitment post to mount the cleaning implement; wherein,
said gripping mechanism and said maneuvering wand cooperating to
substantially limited pivotal movement of a longitudinal axis of
the fitment post, relative a longitudinal axis of said gripping
mechanism to not more than about 0 degrees to about 25 degrees when
said fitment post is subjected to forces radial to said
longitudinal axis of the fitment post.
2. The cleaning assembly according to claim 1, wherein said
cleaning element is at least partially liquid soluble or liquid
dispersible.
3. The cleaning assembly according to claim 1, wherein said fitment
includes a back plate upon which said cleaning element is mounted,
said back plate being configured to provide lateral support to said
cleaning element during use thereof, and said fitment post
extending longitudinally therefrom.
4. The cleaning assembly according to claim 1, wherein said fitment
post includes a retaining barb having a neck portion and a
retaining head, said neck portion having a transverse
cross-sectional dimension smaller than that of the fitment post and
of the retaining head.
5. The cleaning assembly according to claim 4, wherein said
gripping mechanism includes an expandable collet device adapted for
selective movement between a gripping position, gripping the
fitment retaining barb, and a release position, enabling selective
axial release of the retaining head of the fitment retaining barb
from the gripping mechanism.
6. The cleaning assembly according to claim 5, wherein said
attachment end of the maneuvering wand defining a wand opening into
a cavity of said wand, and said wand opening being formed and
dimensioned for axial insertion of the fitment post therein, and
said collet device disposed in said cavity, and defining a mouth
portion thereof in coaxial alignment with said wand opening for
receipt of said fitment retaining barb therethrough.
7. The cleaning assembly according to claim 6, wherein said mouth
portion of the collet device having a transverse cross-sectional
dimension smaller than that of the retaining head, in the gripping
position, to enable said axial retention by the collet device, and
said mouth portion having a transverse cross-sectional dimension
larger than that of the retaining head, in the release position, to
enable axial release thereof by the collet device.
8. The cleaning assembly according to claim 7, wherein said collet
device includes a proximal base portion, and a plurality of
resilient finger members extending distally toward said wand
opening, and each said resilient finger member being cantilever
mounted thereto for radial movement of a distal tip of the
respective finger member between the gripping position and the
release position.
9. The cleaning assembly according to claim 8, wherein said fitment
includes a back plate upon which said cleaning element is mounted,
said back plate being configured to provide lateral support to said
cleaning element during use thereof, and said fitment post
extending longitudinally therefrom.
10. The cleaning assembly according to claim 9, wherein said back
plate being configured such that a force required to bend said back
plate is less than that required to radially displace one or more
of the finger members toward the release position.
11. The cleaning assembly according to claim 10, wherein said back
plate is disk-shaped, having a longitudinal axis that is
substantially co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the fitment
post.
12. The cleaning assembly according to claim 11, wherein said back
plate defines one or more flexible zone adapted to reduce the
stiffness of said back plate plurality of stiffness reducing
grooves spaced-apart about the plate longitudinal axis thereof, and
extending generally radially outward from an interior portion of
said disk.
13. The cleaning assembly according to claim 12, wherein said one
or more flexible zones extends in a swirl pattern about the plate
longitudinal axis.
14. The cleaning assembly according to claim 8, wherein the distal
tip portions of the finger members cooperating to define said mouth
portion, said finger members further being positioned generally
radially around a longitudinal axis of the collet device in a
manner collectively defining a collet recess therein formed for
receipt of said retaining head of the fitment when in the gripping
position.
15. The cleaning assembly according to claim 14, wherein each said
distal tip of the finger member includes a tine portion extending
radially inward, and defining a proximal facing contacting surface
such that, when the retaining head of the fitment is positioned in
the gripping position of the collet device, the contacting surfaces
of the respective tine portions substantially prevent axial
pull-out in a direction away from the gripping mechanism.
16. The cleaning assembly according to claim 15, wherein the neck
portion and the retaining head of the fitment intersect at a
substantially planar annular shoulder portion extending
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fitment
post, and said contacting surfaces of the tine portions are
configured to extend substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the collet device when situated in the
gripping position thereof.
17. The cleaning assembly according to claim 6, wherein said
retaining head of fitment includes a curvilinear cam surface, and
each said tine portion of each distal tip includes a distal facing
cam surface tapering radially outwardly such that upon contact of
the cam surfaces of the distal tip portions with the curvilinear
cam surface of the retaining head during axial insertion of the
fitment post into the wand opening, said distal tip portions are
caused to radially expand until the mouth portion of the collet
device is sufficiently large to permit axial passage of the
retaining head of the retaining barb therethrough.
18. The cleaning assembly according to claim 6, wherein said
gripping mechanism further includes a plunger mechanism selectively
engaging the collet device for movement between the gripping
position and the release position.
19. The cleaning assembly according to claim 18, wherein said
plunger mechanism includes a plunger head adapted for selective
reciprocating movement thereof along the longitudinal axis of the
collet device between a disengaged condition, corresponding to the
gripping position of the collet device, and an engaged condition,
corresponding to the release position of the collet device
20. The cleaning assembly according to claim 19, wherein said
gripping mechanism includes a release device coupled to the plunger
mechanism for selective movement of the plunger head between the
disengaged and the engaged condition.
21. The cleaning assembly according to claim 20, wherein said
collet device includes a proximal base portion, and a plurality of
resilient finger members extending distally toward said wand
opening, and each said resilient finger member being cantilever
mounted thereto for radial displacement of a distal tip of the
respective finger member between the gripping position and the
release position.
22. The cleaning assembly according to claim 21, wherein the distal
tip portions of the finger members cooperating to define said mouth
portion, said finger members further being positioned generally
radially around a longitudinal axis of the collet device in a
manner collectively defining a collet recess therein formed for
receipt of said retaining head of the fitment when in the gripping
position.
23. The cleaning assembly according to claim 22, wherein said base
portion of the collet device defining a proximal opening into said
collet recess, and said plunger head having a transverse
cross-sectional dimension to extend through said proximal opening
of the collet device and into said collet recess for selective
reciprocating movement thereof along the longitudinal axis of the
collet device between the disengaged condition, corresponding to
gripping position of the collet device, and the engaged condition
wherein a cam surface of the plunger head contacts an opposed
underside displacement surface of the finger members causing radial
movement the respective contacting regions thereof to move radially
outward from the gripping position toward the release position.
24. The cleaning assembly according to claim 23, wherein each said
underside displacement surface includes at least two spaced-apart
upstanding contact ribs extending in a direction longitudinal to
the collet device, each said contact rib cooperating with the cam
surface of the plunger head to reduce frictional contact
therebetween as the plunger head reciprocates between the
disengaged condition and the engaged condition.
25. The cleaning assembly according to claim 24, wherein said cam
surface of said plunger head is convex-shaped to further reduce
frictional contact between with said contact ribs as the plunger
head reciprocates between the disengaged condition and the engaged
condition.
26. The cleaning assembly according to claim 25, wherein a contact
angle between said cam surface of said plunger head and the contact
ribs of the underside displacement surfaces is in the range of
between about three (3) degrees per side to about twenty (20)
degrees per side.
27. The cleaning assembly according to claim 19, wherein said
release device includes a slide switch slideably mounted to the
maneuvering wand for operation at the handle portion between the
disengaged condition and the engaged condition.
28. The cleaning assembly according to claim 27, wherein said
release device further includes a pushrod extending through said
wand cavity from proximate the handle portion to proximate the
attachment portion, a distal end thereof being mounted to the
plunger head, and an opposite proximal end thereof being mounted to
the slide switch for translation of movement from the slide switch
to the plunger head.
29. The cleaning assembly according to claim 28, further including:
a biasing device cooperating with the release device to bias the
plunger mechanism toward the disengaged condition, corresponding to
the gripping position of the gripping mechanism.
30. The cleaning assembly according to claim 28, wherein said
maneuvering wand is gradually curved, and said pushrod is
sufficiently flexible to enable axial movement thereof through the
wand cavity between the disengaged condition and the engaged
condition, and sufficiently stiff to enable the plunger head to
move from the gripping position to the release position.
31. The cleaning assembly according to claim 30, wherein said
maneuvering wand includes a plurality of support bearings
spaced-apart along said wand cavity, and cooperating with the
pushrod to enable unobstructed axial movement thereof between the
disengaged condition and the engaged condition.
32. The cleaning assembly according to claim 31, wherein: each said
support bearing is plate-like, and includes a bearing surface
defining a respective aperture enabling reciprocal passage of the
pushrod therethrough.
33. The cleaning assembly according to claim 32, wherein: each
bearing surface of said support bearing is convex shaped to reduce
frictional contact with the pushrod during movement between the
disengaged condition and the engaged condition.
34. The cleaning assembly according to claim 1, wherein said
attachment end of the maneuvering wand defining a wand opening into
a cavity of said wand, said gripping mechanism being disposed in
said cavity proximate said wand opening, and said wand opening
being formed and dimensioned for axial insertion of the fitment
post therein, and said assembly further including: an anti-cam out
feature adapted to radially engage the fitment post, when in the
gripping mechanism is in a gripping position releasably gripping
the fitment post, to substantial limit pivotal movement of the
longitudinal axis of the fitment post, relative the longitudinal
axis of said wand opening, to not more than said about 0 degrees to
said about 25 degrees when said fitment post is subjected to forces
radial to said longitudinal axis.
35. The cleaning assembly according to claim 34, wherein said
anti-cam out feature includes a distal annular rib portion having a
first contact surface extending substantially circumferentially
around a first portion of the fitment post when oriented in the
gripping position, said first contact surface having a transverse
cross-sectional dimension substantially similar to a transverse
cross-sectional dimension of the first portion of said fitment post
such that a tolerance therebetween in the range of about 0.001 inch
to about 0.04 inch.
36. The cleaning assembly according to claim 35, wherein said
anti-cam out feature further includes a proximal annular rib
portion, spaced-apart from said distal annular rib portion, having
a second contact surface extending substantially circumferentially
around a second portion of the fitment post when oriented in the
gripping position, said second contact surface having a transverse
cross-sectional dimension substantially similar to a transverse
cross-sectional dimension of the second portion of said fitment
post.
37. The cleaning assembly according to claim 36, wherein said first
contact surface and said second contact surface are spaced-apart
along the wand opening longitudinal axis by an axial distance in
the range of about 0.15 inch to about 0.25 inch.
38. The cleaning assembly according to claim 37, wherein said
distal annular rib portion is positioned substantially proximate
the wand opening.
39. The cleaning assembly according to claim 36, further including:
a seal device positioned in a gap between the distal annular rib
portion and the proximal annular rib portions, said seal device
cooperating with said fitment post when in the gripping position
such that a fluid-tight seal is formed therebetween to prevent
fluid flow into said cavity.
40. The cleaning assembly according to claim 36, wherein said
fitment retaining barb includes a neck portion and a retaining
head, said second portion of the fitment post tapering inwardly and
mounted to said neck portion, said neck portion further having a
transverse cross-sectional dimension smaller than that of the
fitment post and of the retaining head, and said proximal annular
rib portion tapering inwardly at substantially the same slope as
said second portion of the fitment post such that said second
portion substantially seats against said proximal annular rib
portion when the fitment retaining barb is positioned in the
gripping position.
41. The cleaning assembly according to claim 1, further including:
a seal device positioned distal to said gripping mechanism and
proximal to said wand opening, said seal device cooperating with
said fitment post when in the gripping position such that a
fluid-tight seal is formed therebetween to prevent fluid flow into
said cavity.
42. The cleaning assembly according to claim 41, wherein said seal
device is provided by an O-ring.
43. The cleaning assembly according to claim 1, wherein said
pivotal movement of the longitudinal axis of the fitment post,
relative the longitudinal axis of said gripping mechanism, is
substantially limited to not more than about 0 degrees to about
twelve (12) degrees.
44. A cleaning tool assembly adapted to removably mount a cleaning
implement thereto, said cleaning implement including a cleaning
element mounted to a fitment having an elongated, axially extending
post terminating at a barb portion thereof, said tool assembly
comprising: an elongated maneuvering wand having a handle portion
and a distal implement attachment end thereof, a gripping mechanism
coupled to the wand attachment end, and configured to releasably
grip the barb portion of the fitment post to releasably mount the
cleaning implement to the maneuvering wand in a gripping position;
and an anti-cam out feature adapted to radially engage the fitment
post when the gripping mechanism is positioned in the gripping
position, and when said cleaning implement is subjected to a load
radial to the longitudinal axis of the fitment post such that said
fitment post is substantially limited to pivotal movement of the
longitudinal axis of the fitment post, relative the longitudinal
axis of said gripping mechanism, to not more than about 0 degrees
to about 25 degrees.
45. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 44, wherein said
anti-cam out feature includes a distal annular rib portion having a
first contact surface extending substantially circumferentially
around a first portion of the fitment post when in the gripping
position of said gripping mechanism, said first contact surface
having a transverse cross-sectional dimension substantially similar
to a transverse cross-sectional dimension of the first portion of
said fitment post such that a tolerance therebetween in the range
of about 0.001 inch to about 0.040 inch.
46. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 45, wherein said
first contact surface extends substantially continuously around
said first portion of the fitment post.
47. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 45, wherein said
first contact surface extends non-continuously around said first
portion of the fitment post.
48. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 45, wherein said
anti-cam out feature further includes a proximal annular rib
portion, spaced-apart from said distal annular rib portion, having
a second contact surface extending substantially circumferentially
around a second portion of the fitment post when said gripping
mechanism is in the gripping position, said second contact surface
having a transverse cross-sectional dimension substantially similar
to a transverse cross-sectional dimension of the second portion of
said fitment post.
49. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 48, wherein said
first contact surface and said second contact surface extend
substantially continuously around said first portion and said
second portion, respectively, of the fitment post.
50. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 48, wherein said
first contact surface and said second contact surface extend
non-continuously around said first portion and said second portion,
respectively, of the fitment post.
51. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 48, wherein said
attachment end of the maneuvering wand defining a wand opening into
a cavity of said wand, and said wand opening being formed and
dimensioned for axial insertion of the fitment post therein, and
said distal annular rib portion is positioned substantially
proximate the wand opening.
52. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 51, further
including: a seal device positioned in a gap between the distal
annular rib portion and the proximal annular rib portions, said
seal device cooperating with said fitment post when in the gripping
position such that a fluid-tight seal is formed therebetween to
prevent fluid flow into said cavity.
53. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 44, further
including: said attachment end of the maneuvering wand defining a
wand opening into a cavity of said wand, and said wand opening
being formed and dimensioned for axial insertion of the fitment
post therein, and a seal device positioned distal to said gripping
mechanism and proximal to said wand opening, said seal device
cooperating with said fitment post when in the gripping position
such that a fluid-tight seal is formed therebetween to prevent
fluid flow into said cavity.
54. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 53, wherein said
seal device includes an O-ring.
55. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 44, wherein said
attachment end of the maneuvering wand defining a wand opening into
a cavity of said wand, and said wand opening being formed and
dimensioned for axial insertion of the fitment post therein, and
said gripping mechanism an expandable collet device disposed in
said cavity, and adapted for selective movement between the
gripping position and a release position, enabling selective axial
removal of the fitment from the gripping mechanism.
56. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 55, wherein said
collet device is biased toward the gripping position.
57. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 56, wherein said
collet device defining a mouth portion in substantial axial
alignment with said wand opening, said mouth portion having a
transverse cross-sectional dimension smaller than that of the
retaining barb for axial retention thereof by the collet device
when in the gripping position, and said mouth portion having a
transverse cross-sectional dimension larger than that of the
retaining barb for axial release thereof by the collet device when
in the release position.
58. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 57, wherein said
collet device includes a plurality of resilient finger members
extending distally toward said wand opening, and each said finger
member having a distal tip which cooperate with one another to
define said mouth portion, said finger members further being
positioned generally radially around a longitudinal axis of the
collet device in a manner collectively defining a collet recess
therein formed for receipt of said barb portion of the fitment when
in the gripping position.
59. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 58, wherein said
collet device further includes a proximal base portion defining a
proximal opening into the collet recess, and each said resilient
finger member being cantilever mounted thereto and extending
distally therefrom for radial movement of the distal tip of the
respective finger member between the gripping position and the
release position.
60. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 59, wherein each
said distal tip of the finger member includes a tine portion
extending radially inward, and defining a proximal facing
contacting surface such that, when the fitment post is positioned
in the gripping position of the collet device, the contacting
surfaces of the respective tine portions substantially prevent
axial pull-out in a direction away from the gripping mechanism.
61. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 60, wherein each
said tine portion of each distal tip includes a distal facing cam
surface tapering radially outwardly such that upon contact of the
retaining barb with the cam surfaces of the distal tip portions
during axial insertion of the fitment post into the wand opening
and toward the gripping mechanism, said distal tip portions are
caused to radially expand until the mouth portion of the collet
device is sufficiently large to permit axial passage of the
retaining barb therethrough.
62. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 61, wherein the
outward taper of said distal facing cam surface is convex
shaped.
63. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 59, further
including: a plurality of longitudinally extending alignment webs
protruding radially into the wand cavity and spaced-apart radially
about the wand opening longitudinal axis thereof, each said
alignment web being aligned in a slot formed between two adjacent
finger members of the collet device during movement between the
gripping position and the release position.
64. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 63, wherein said
alignment webs extend radially from the interior walls of the
maneuvering wand defining the wand cavity thereof.
65. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 64, wherein said
base portion includes a radially extending annular lip, and said
interior wall of said maneuvering wand further defines an grooved
formed and dimensioned for receipt of said annular lip therein to
substantially prevent relative axial movement between said collet
device and said maneuvering wand.
66. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 59, wherein said
gripping mechanism further includes a plunger mechanism cooperating
with the collet device, and movable between a disengaged condition,
corresponding to gripping position of the collet device, and an
engaged condition, displacing the finger members radially outward,
corresponding to the release position.
67. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 66, wherein said
plunger mechanism includes a plunger head extending through said
proximal opening of the collet device and into said collet recess
for selective reciprocating movement thereof along the longitudinal
axis of the collet device between the disengaged condition,
corresponding to gripping position of the collet device, and the
engaged condition wherein a cam surface of the plunger head
contacts an opposed underside displacement surface of the finger
members causing radial movement the respective contacting regions
thereof to move radially outward from the gripping position toward
the release position.
68. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 67, wherein said
cam surface of said plunger head, in the gripping position, is out
contact with the respective, opposed underside displacement surface
of said finger members.
69. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 67, wherein said
underside displacement surfaces of said finger members collectively
define a frusto-conical-shaped collet recess tapering inwardly from
the proximal opening to the distal mouth portion thereof.
70. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 69, wherein each
said underside displacement surface includes at least one
upstanding contact rib extending in a direction longitudinal to the
collet device, each said contact rib cooperating with the cam
surface of the plunger head to reduce frictional contact
therebetween as the plunger head reciprocates between the
disengaged condition and the engaged condition.
71. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 70, wherein said
cam surface of said plunger head is convex-shaped to further reduce
frictional contact between with said contact ribs as the plunger
head reciprocates between the disengaged condition and the engaged
condition.
72. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 71, wherein a
contact angle between said cam surface of said plunger head and the
contact ribs of the underside displacement surfaces is in the range
of between about three (3) degrees per side to about twenty (20)
degrees per side.
73. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 71, wherein said
cam surface and a respective surface of the each contact rib are
substantially smooth to further reduce friction therebetween.
74. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 68, wherein said
plunger head is biased toward the disengaged condition,
corresponding to the gripping position of the gripping
mechanism.
75. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 68, further
including an ejection device adapted to facilitate ejection of the
cleaning implement when said plunger head is moved to the engaged
condition, corresponding to the release position of the gripping
mechanism.
76. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 75, wherein said
ejection device includes an ejection post extending distally beyond
the cam surface thereof, said ejection post contacting the
retaining barb during axial movement of the plunger head from the
disengaged condition to the engaged condition, displacing the
fitment post from the wand opening.
77. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 68, further
including: a release device coupled to the plunger mechanism for
selective movement of the plunger head between the disengaged and
the engaged condition.
78. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 77, wherein said
release device includes a slide switch slideably mounted to the
maneuvering wand for operation at the handle portion between the
disengaged condition and the engaged condition.
79. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 78, wherein said
release device further includes a pushrod extending through said
wand cavity from proximate the handle portion to proximate the
attachment portion, a distal end thereof being mounted to the
plunger head, and an opposite proximal end thereof being mounted to
the slide switch for translation of movement from the slide switch
to the plunger head.
80. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 79, further
including: a biasing device cooperating with the release device to
bias the plunger mechanism toward the disengaged condition,
corresponding to the gripping position of the gripping
mechanism.
81. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 80, wherein said
biasing device includes spring retainer plate coupled to the
pushrod, and a compression spring in contact with said spring
retainer plate to bias the plunger head toward the disengaged
condition.
82. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 79, wherein said
maneuvering wand is gradually curved, and said pushrod is
sufficiently flexible to enable axial movement thereof through the
wand cavity between the disengaged condition and the engaged
condition, and sufficiently stiff to enable the plunger head to
move from the gripping position to the release position.
83. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 82, wherein said
maneuvering wand includes a plurality of support bearings
spaced-apart along said wand cavity, and cooperating with the
pushrod to enable unobstructed axial movement thereof between the
disengaged condition and the engaged condition.
84. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 83, wherein: each
said support bearing is plate-like, and includes a bearing surface
defining a respective pushrod aperture extending therethrough and
enabling reciprocal passage of the pushrod.
85. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 84, wherein: each
bearing surface of said support bearing is convex shaped to reduce
frictional contact with the pushrod during movement between the
disengaged condition and the engaged condition.
86. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 44, wherein: said
pivotal movement of the longitudinal axis of the fitment post,
relative the longitudinal axis of said gripping mechanism, is
substantially limited to not more than about 0 degrees to about
twelve (12) degrees.
87. A cleaning tool assembly adapted to removably mount a cleaning
implement thereto, said cleaning implement including a cleaning
element mounted to a fitment, said fitment having an elongated post
extending axially from the cleaning element, and a retaining barb
at a distal end of the elongated post, said tool assembly
comprising: an elongated maneuvering wand having a handle portion
and a distal implement attachment end thereof, said attachment end
defining a wand opening into a cavity of said wand, and said wand
opening being formed and dimensioned for axial insertion of the
fitment post therein; a radially expandable gripping mechanism
disposed in said cavity, and adapted for movement between a
naturally biased gripping position, releasably gripping the fitment
retaining barb through the wand opening, and a release position,
radially expanding the gripping mechanism by an amount sufficient
to enable axial release of the retaining barb therefrom, said
gripping mechanism configured to axially retain said retaining barb
therein with an axial retention force; and a release device
including a manual actuation device mounted to the handle portion,
and adapted for manual axial movement between a disengaged
condition and an engage condition, slideably engaging the gripping
mechanism for expansion thereof toward the release position,
wherein said gripping mechanism and said release device being
configured to interactively cooperate to substantially minimize
frictional drag therebetween in a manner such that a maximum,
manual release force, at the actuator device, required to manually
move the release device from the disengaged condition to the
engaged condition, and thus, the gripping mechanism from the
gripping position to the release position, is substantially less
than the axial retention force of the gripping mechanism.
88. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 87, wherein said
axial retention force is in the range of about five (5) lbf. to
about fifteen (15) lbf., and said release force is in the range of
about 1.0 lbf. to about 6.0 lbf.
89. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 88, wherein said
axial retention force is in the range of about nine (9) lbf. to
about eleven (11) lbf., and said release force is in the range of
about 1.75 lbf. to about 3.0 lbf.
90. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 87, wherein said
gripping mechanism includes an expandable collet device disposed in
said cavity, and including a distal gripping portion defining a
distal mouth portion formed and dimensioned to axially receive the
fitment retaining barb through said wand opening, said distal
gripping portion radially expandable between the gripping position
and the release position
91. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 90, wherein said
release device includes a plunger head, adapted for sliding
engagement, with the collet device for selective reciprocating
movement thereof along the longitudinal axis of the collet device
between a disengaged condition, corresponding to the gripping
position of the collet device, and an engaged condition, urging the
collet device toward the release position.
92. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 91, wherein said
release device further includes a pushrod extending through said
wand cavity from proximate the handle portion to proximate the
attachment portion thereof, a distal end thereof being mounted to
the plunger head, and an opposite proximal end thereof being
mounted to the actuator device for translation of movement
therefrom to the plunger head.
93. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 92, wherein said
maneuvering wand includes a gradually curved portion thereof
between the handle portion and the attachment end, and said pushrod
is substantially similarly curved at a corresponding portion
thereof when positioned in the cavity of the maneuvering wand.
94. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 93, wherein said
pushrod is sufficiently flexible to enable axial movement thereof
through the wand cavity between the disengaged condition and the
engaged condition, and sufficiently stiff to enable the plunger
mechanism to engage the collet device from the gripping position to
the release position.
95. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 94, wherein said
maneuvering wand includes a plurality of support bearings
spaced-apart along said wand cavity, and cooperating with the
pushrod to enable unobstructed axial movement thereof between the
disengaged condition and the engaged condition.
96. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 95, wherein each
said support bearing is plate-like, and includes a bearing surface
defining a respective aperture enabling reciprocal passage of the
pushrod therethrough.
97. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 96, wherein each
bearing surface of said support bearing is convex shaped to reduce
frictional contact with the pushrod during movement between the
disengaged condition and the engaged condition.
98. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 97, wherein a
transverse cross-sectional dimension of the pushrod is
cross-shaped, having a plurality of rounded edges in a manner
reducing frictional contact upon sliding engagement with said
bearing surfaces.
99. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 92, further
including: a biasing device cooperating with the release device to
bias the plunger head toward the disengaged condition.
100. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 99, wherein said
biasing device includes spring retainer plate coupled to the
pushrod, and a compression spring in contact with said spring
retainer plate to bias the plunger head toward the disengaged
condition.
101. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 92, wherein said
collet device includes a proximal base portion defining a proximal
opening into a collet recess thereof, and a plurality of resilient
finger members extending distally toward said wand opening, and
each said resilient finger member being cantilever mounted thereto
for radial movement of a distal tip of the respective finger member
between the gripping position and the release position.
102. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 101, wherein the
distal tip portions of the finger members cooperating to define
said mouth portion, said finger members further being positioned
generally radially around a longitudinal axis of the collet device
in a manner collectively defining a collet recess therein formed
for receipt of said retaining barb of the fitment when in the
gripping position.
103. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 102, wherein
said plunger head having a transverse cross-sectional dimension
configured to extend through said proximal opening of the collet
device proximal base portion and into said collet recess for
selective reciprocating movement thereof along the longitudinal
axis of the collet device between the disengaged condition,
corresponding to gripping position of the collet device, and the
engaged condition wherein a cam surface of the plunger head
contacts an opposed underside displacement surface of the finger
members causing displacement of the respective distal tip portions
thereof radially outward from the gripping position toward the
release position.
104. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 103, wherein
each said underside displacement surface includes at least two
spaced-apart upstanding contact ribs extending in a direction
longitudinal to the collet device, each said contact rib
cooperating with the cam surface of the plunger head to reduce
frictional contact therebetween as the plunger head reciprocates
between the disengaged condition and the engaged condition.
105. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 104, wherein
said cam surface at a distal portion of said plunger head is
convex-shaped to further reduce frictional contact between with
said contact ribs as the plunger head reciprocates between the
disengaged condition and the engaged condition.
106. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 105, wherein a
contact angle between said cam surface of said plunger head and the
contact ribs of the underside displacement surfaces is in the range
of between about three (3) degrees per side to about twenty (20)
degrees per side.
107. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 87, wherein said
actuation device includes a slide switch slideably mounted to the
handle portion.
108. A cleaning tool assembly adapted to removably mount a cleaning
implement thereto, said cleaning implement including a cleaning
element mounted to a fitment, said fitment having an elongated post
extending axially from the cleaning element, and a retaining barb
at a distal end of the elongated post, said tool assembly
comprising: an elongated maneuvering wand having a handle portion
and a distal implement attachment end thereof, said attachment end
defining a wand opening into a cavity of said wand, and said wand
opening being formed and dimensioned for axial insertion of the
fitment post therein; a radially expandable gripping collet device
disposed in said cavity, and including a distal gripping portion
defining a distal mouth portion formed and dimensioned to axially
receive the fitment retaining barb through said wand opening, said
distal gripping portion radially expandable between a gripping
position, releasably gripping the fitment retaining barb, and a
release position, radially expanding the mouth portion by an amount
sufficient for axial release of the retaining barb therefrom, said
collet device being configured to axially retain said retaining
barb therein with an axial retention force in the range of about
five (5) lbs to about fifteen (15) lbs; and a release device
including a slide switch slideably mounted to the handle portion,
and a plunger mechanism adapted for movement between a disengaged
condition, corresponding to the gripping position of the collet
device, and an engage condition, engaging the collet device for
expansion thereof to the release position, a biasing device biasing
the release device toward the disengaged condition; wherein said
collet device, said biasing device and said release device
interactively cooperating to substantially minimize frictional
contact in a manner such that the axial release force at the slide
switch, to engage the release device from the disengaged condition
to the engaged condition is in the range of about one (1) lbs to
about six (6) lbs.
109. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 108, wherein
said release device further includes a pushrod extending through
said wand cavity from proximate the handle portion to proximate the
attachment portion thereof, a distal end thereof being mounted to
the plunger mechanism, and an opposite proximal end thereof being
mounted to the slide switch for translation of movement from the
slide switch to the plunger head.
110. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 109, wherein
said maneuvering wand includes a gradually curved portion thereof
between the handle portion and the attachment end, and said pushrod
is substantially similarly curved at a corresponding portion
thereof when positioned in the cavity of the maneuvering wand.
111. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 110, wherein
said pushrod is sufficiently flexible to enable axial movement
thereof through the wand cavity between the disengaged condition
and the engaged condition, and sufficiently stiff to enable the
plunger mechanism to engage the collet device from the gripping
position to the release position.
112. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 111, wherein
said maneuvering wand includes a plurality of support bearings
spaced-apart along said wand cavity, and cooperating with the
pushrod to enable unobstructed axial movement thereof between the
disengaged condition and the engaged condition.
113. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 112, wherein
each said support bearing is plate-like, and includes a bearing
surface defining a respective aperture enabling reciprocal passage
of the pushrod therethrough.
114. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 113, wherein
each bearing surface of said support bearing is convex shaped to
reduce frictional contact with the pushrod during movement between
the disengaged condition and the engaged condition.
115. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 114, wherein a
transverse cross-sectional dimension of the pushrod is
cross-shaped, having a plurality of rounded edges in a manner
reducing frictional contact upon sliding engagement with said
bearing surfaces.
116. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 108, wherein
said collet device includes a proximal base portion defining a
proximal opening into a collet recess thereof, and a plurality of
resilient finger members extending distally toward said wand
opening, and each said resilient finger member being cantilever
mounted thereto for radial movement of a distal tip of the
respective finger member between the gripping position and the
release position.
117. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 116, wherein the
distal tip portions of the finger members cooperating to define
said mouth portion, said finger members further being positioned
generally radially around a longitudinal axis of the collet device
in a manner collectively defining a collet recess therein formed
for receipt of said retaining head of the fitment when in the
gripping position.
118. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 117, wherein
said plunger mechanism includes a plunger head adapted for
selective reciprocating movement thereof along the longitudinal
axis of the collet device between a disengaged condition,
corresponding to the gripping position of the collet device, and an
engaged condition, corresponding to the release position of the
collet device
119. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 118, wherein
said plunger head having a transverse cross-sectional dimension to
extend through said proximal opening of the collet device and into
said collet recess for selective reciprocating movement thereof
along the longitudinal axis of the collet device between the
disengaged condition, corresponding to gripping position of the
collet device, and the engaged condition wherein a cam surface of
the plunger head contacts an opposed underside displacement surface
of the finger members causing radial movement the respective
contacting regions thereof to move radially outward from the
gripping position toward the release position.
120. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 119, wherein
each said underside displacement surface includes at least two
spaced-apart upstanding contact ribs extending in a direction
longitudinal to the collet device, each said contact rib
cooperating with the cam surface of the plunger head to reduce
frictional contact therebetween as the plunger head reciprocates
between the disengaged condition and the engaged condition.
121. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 120, wherein
said cam surface of said plunger head is convex-shaped to further
reduce frictional contact between with said contact ribs as the
plunger head reciprocates between the disengaged condition and the
engaged condition.
122. The cleaning tool assembly according to claim 121, wherein a
contact angle between said cam surface of said plunger head and the
contact ribs of the underside displacement surfaces is in the range
of between about three (3) degrees per side to about twenty (20)
degrees per side.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to cleaning tools, and more
particularly, relates to toiletry cleaning tools adapted to grip
and maneuver disposable cleaning implements.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Due to heath and sanitation concerns, lavatory facilities,
such as toilets and urinals, are routinely cleaned. Such cleansing
not only precludes the spread of infections and disease in
commercial and public establishment, but also prevents or reduces
unpleasant odors in residential facilities. The routine application
of deodorizers and disinfectants aim to maintain a fresh and
substantially germ-free environment.
[0003] Typically, special toilet bowl brushes and cleaning
solutions are applied to all surfaces of the toilet to perform
effective cleansing. Generally, these cleaning devices include an
elongated handle with a brush head or the like mounted to the
distal end thereof. These heads enable cleaning inside the bowl and
drain without physically contacting the toilet. One particularly
unpleasant task, however, involves the cleaning of underside of the
lip and rim portion of the toilet bowl. To reduce tactile contact,
and required entry into the bowl, toilet brushes are often angled
at the brush head which aids reaching such undersides of the rim.
Moreover, the containers for the disinfecting and deodorizing
solutions are also often angled or have "duck neck" spouts to
achieve delivery of the solutions to the undersides of the rim.
[0004] Regardless of what chemical process or solutions are
applied, some amount of physical scrubbing contact with the brush
is necessary to effectively remove stains and deposits. Thus, after
disinfecting and deodorizing solutions have been applied, the
special toilet bowl brush is utilized to brush and scrub the bowl
surfaces as mentioned. While this time tested technique is adequate
to disinfect and clean the toilet facilities, several inherent
problems with this arrangement exist. For example, once the bowl
has been cleaned, the brush is typically rinsed or allowed to drip
dry before storage or further use. Accordingly, any infectious
germs which may have been collected on the tool are likely to
remain in some part on the brush, and are likely to be transported
along with the brush.
[0005] Moreover, this cleaning arrangement is potentially dangerous
in that these toxic, liquid disinfectants and deodorizers pose
serious heath hazards. Such cleansers, which are either acidic or
caustic, are typically stored under the sink, and may be accessible
to unknowing small children. In severe cases of scale removal,
highly acidic concentrations of solution, containing hydrochloric
or hydrofluoric acids, may be necessary. Such use requires
additional safety gear such as protective gloves and protective
eye-goggles.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for a cleaning tool that
reduces, if not eliminates, the transmission of infectious germs
and from one location to another, as well as reduces the potential
health hazards associated with liquid disinfectants and
deodorizers.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides a cleaning assembly including
a disposable cleaning implement having a cleaning element mounted
to a fitment having an elongated post, and an elongated maneuvering
wand having a handle portion and a distal implement attachment end
thereof. A gripping mechanism is coupled to the wand attachment
end, and is configured to releasably grip the fitment post to mount
the cleaning implement. The gripping mechanism and the maneuvering
wand cooperate to substantially limited pivotal movement of a
longitudinal axis of the fitment post, relative a longitudinal axis
of the gripping mechanism to not more than about 0 degrees to about
25 degrees when the fitment post is subjected to forces radial to
the longitudinal axis of the fitment post.
[0008] In one aspect of the present invention, the cleaning
assembly incorporates an anti-cam device that significantly limits
the pivotal motion of the cleaning head fitment in the gripping
mechanism, and hence, substantially prevent side ejection from the
gripping mechanism. Accordingly, during operational use of the
cleaning tool, significantly greater lateral forces can be applied
to the cleaning implement during cleaning with a gripping mechanism
that would not otherwise be capable of handling such forces. The
design of the gripping mechanism, hence, can primarily concentrate
on axial retention of the retaining barb.
[0009] In one specific embodiment, the pivotal movement of the
longitudinal axis of the fitment post, relative the longitudinal
axis of the gripping mechanism, is substantially limited to not
more than about 0 degrees to about twelve (12) degrees, and even
more preferably about 0 degrees to about six (6) degrees.
[0010] The anti-cam out feature includes a distal annular rib
portion having a first contact surface extending substantially
circumferentially around a first portion of the fitment post when
oriented in the gripping position. The first contact surface
includes a transverse cross-sectional dimension substantially
similar to a transverse cross-sectional dimension of the first
portion of the fitment post such that a tolerance therebetween in
the range of about 0.001 inch to about 0.04 inch.
[0011] In another configuration, the anti-cam out feature further
includes a proximal annular rib portion, spaced-apart from the
distal annular rib portion. The proximal annular rib includes a
second contact surface extending substantially circumferentially
around a second portion of the fitment post when oriented in the
gripping position. The second contact surface has a transverse
cross-sectional dimension substantially similar to a transverse
cross-sectional dimension of the second portion of the fitment
post.
[0012] The gripping mechanism includes an expandable collet device
adapted for selective movement between a gripping position,
gripping the fitment retaining barb, and a release position,
enabling selective axial release of the retaining head of the
fitment retaining barb from the gripping mechanism. The collet
device includes a proximal base portion, and a plurality of
resilient finger members extending distally toward the wand
opening, and each the resilient finger member being cantilever
mounted thereto for radial movement of a distal tip of the
respective finger member between the gripping position and the
release position.
[0013] In one embodiment, the distal tip portions of the finger
members cooperate to define a mouth portion of the collet device.
The finger members are positioned generally radially around a
longitudinal axis of the collet device in a manner collectively
defining a collet recess therein formed for receipt of the
retaining head of the fitment when in the gripping position. Each
the distal tip of the finger member includes a tine portion
extending radially inward, and defines a proximal facing contacting
surface such that, when the retaining head of the fitment is
positioned in the gripping position of the collet device, the
contacting surfaces of the respective tine portions substantially
prevent axial pull-out in a direction away from the gripping
mechanism.
[0014] In another specific configuration, the gripping mechanism
includes a plunger mechanism selectively engaging the collet device
for movement between the gripping position and the release
position. The plunger mechanism includes a plunger head adapted for
selective reciprocating movement thereof along the longitudinal
axis of the collet device between a disengaged condition,
corresponding to the gripping position of the collet device, and an
engaged condition, corresponding to the release position of the
collet device.
[0015] The gripping mechanism further includes a release device
coupled to the plunger mechanism for selective movement of the
plunger head between the disengaged and the engaged condition. The
release device includes a slide switch slideably mounted to the
maneuvering wand for operation at the handle portion between the
disengaged condition and the engaged condition. The release device
further includes a pushrod extending through the wand cavity from
proximate the handle portion to proximate the attachment portion. A
distal end thereof is mounted to the plunger head, and an opposite
proximal end thereof being mounted to the slide switch for
translation of movement from the slide switch to the plunger
head.
[0016] In yet another embodiment, the cleaning implement fitment
includes a back plate upon which the cleaning element is mounted.
The back plate is configured to provide lateral support to the
cleaning element during use thereof, and the fitment post extending
longitudinally therefrom. The back plate being configured such that
a force required to bend the back plate is less than that required
to radially displace one or more of the finger members toward the
release position. The back plate defines one or more flexible zones
adapted to reduce the stiffness of the back plate plurality of
stiffness reducing grooves spaced-apart about the plate
longitudinal axis thereof, and extending generally radially outward
from an interior portion of the disk.
[0017] In another aspect of the present invention, a cleaning tool
assembly is provided adapted to removably mount a cleaning
implement thereto. The cleaning implement includes a cleaning
element mounted to a fitment having an elongated, axially extending
post terminating at a barb portion thereof. The tool assembly
includes an elongated maneuvering wand having a handle portion and
a distal implement attachment end thereof, and a gripping mechanism
coupled to the wand attachment end. The gripping mechanism is
configured to releasably grip the barb portion of the fitment post
to releasably mount the cleaning implement to the maneuvering wand
in a gripping position. The tool assembly further includes an
anti-cam out feature adapted to radially engage the fitment post
when the gripping mechanism is positioned in the gripping position,
and when the cleaning implement is subjected to a load radial to
the longitudinal axis of the fitment post. The anti-cam out feature
is adapted to substantially limited to pivotal movement of the
longitudinal axis of the fitment post, relative the longitudinal
axis of the gripping mechanism, to not more than about 0 degrees to
about 25 degrees.
[0018] In one embodiment, a seal device is included positioned in a
gap between the distal annular rib portion and the proximal annular
rib portions. The seal device cooperates with the fitment post when
in the gripping position such that a fluid-tight seal is formed
therebetween to prevent fluid flow into the cavity.
[0019] In another aspect of the present invention, a cleaning tool
assembly is adapted to removably mount a cleaning implement
thereto. The cleaning implement includes a cleaning element mounted
to a fitment. The tool assembly includes an elongated maneuvering
wand having a handle portion, and a distal implement attachment end
thereof. The attachment end defines a wand opening into a cavity of
the wand, and the wand opening being formed and dimensioned for
axial insertion of the fitment post therein. A radially expandable
gripping mechanism is disposed in the cavity. The mechanism is
adapted for movement between a naturally biased gripping position,
releasably gripping the fitment retaining barb through the wand
opening, and a release position, radially expanding the gripping
mechanism by an amount sufficient to enable axial release of the
retaining barb therefrom. The gripping mechanism is configured to
axially retain the retaining barb therein with an axial retention
force. A release device includes a manual actuation device mounted
to the handle portion, and adapted for manual axial movement
between a disengaged condition and an engage condition, slideably
engaging the gripping mechanism for expansion thereof toward the
release position. The gripping mechanism and the release device are
configured to interactively cooperate to substantially minimize
frictional drag therebetween in a manner such that a maximum,
manual release force, at the actuation device, required to manually
move the release device from the disengaged condition to the
engaged condition, and thus, the gripping mechanism from the
gripping position to the release position, is substantially less
than the axial retention force of the gripping mechanism.
[0020] In one example, the axial retention force is in the range of
about five (5) lbf. to about fifteen (15) lbf., and the release
force is in the range of about 1.0 lbf. to about 6.0 lbf. In
another embodiment, the axial retention force is in the range of
about nine (9) lbf. to about eleven (11) lbf., and the release
force is in the range of about 1.75 lbf. to about 3.0 lbf.
[0021] In another specific embodiment, the release device includes
a plunger head, adapted for sliding engagement, with the collet
device for selective reciprocating movement thereof along the
longitudinal axis of the collet device between a disengaged
condition, corresponding to the gripping position of the collet
device, and an engaged condition, urging the collet device toward
the release position. The plunger head is operated for selective
reciprocating movement thereof along the longitudinal axis of the
collet device between the disengaged condition, corresponding to
gripping position of the collet device, and the engaged condition.
In this engaged condition, a cam surface of the plunger head
contacts an opposed underside displacement surface of the finger
members causing displacement of the respective distal tip portions
thereof radially outward from the gripping position toward the
release position.
[0022] To reduce frictional drag, each the underside displacement
surface includes at least two spaced-apart upstanding contact ribs
extending in a direction longitudinal to the collet device. Each
the contact rib cooperates with the cam surface of the plunger head
to reduce frictional contact therebetween as the plunger head
reciprocates between the disengaged condition and the engaged
condition. A cam surface at a distal portion of the plunger head is
convex-shaped to further reduce frictional contact between with the
contact ribs as the plunger head reciprocates between the
disengaged condition and the engaged condition.
[0023] In yet another arrangement, a contact angle between the cam
surface of the plunger head and the contact ribs of the underside
displacement surfaces is in the range of between about three (3)
degrees per side to about twenty (20) degrees per side.
[0024] In another embodiment, the maneuvering wand includes a
gradually curved portion thereof between the handle portion and the
attachment end. The pushrod is substantially similarly curved at a
corresponding portion thereof when positioned in the cavity of the
maneuvering wand. The pushrod is sufficiently flexible to enable
axial movement thereof through the wand cavity between the
disengaged condition and the engaged condition. Further, the
pushrod is sufficiently stiff to enable the plunger mechanism to
engage the collet device from the gripping position to the release
position.
[0025] Throughout the interior of the maneuvering wand is a
plurality of support bearings spaced-apart along the wand cavity.
These bearings cooperate with the pushrod to enable unobstructed
axial movement thereof between the disengaged condition and the
engaged condition. Each support bearing is plate-like, and includes
a bearing surface defining a respective aperture enabling
reciprocal passage of the pushrod therethrough. Further, each
bearing surface of the support bearing is convex shaped to reduce
frictional contact with the pushrod during movement between the
disengaged condition and the engaged condition.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The assembly of the present invention has other objects and
features of advantage which will be more readily apparent from the
following description of the best mode of carrying out the
invention and the appended claims, when taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawing, in which:
[0027] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view a cleaning tool assembly
constructed in accordance with the present invention in a gripping
position.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the cleaning tool
assembly of FIG. 1 in a release position.
[0029] FIG. 3 is an exploded top perspective view of the cleaning
tool assembly of FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary, side perspective view of
the interior of an attachment end of the cleaning tool assembly of
FIG. 1, shown without a collet device for illustrative
purposes.
[0031] FIG. 5A is an enlarged, side elevation view, in
cross-section, of the attachment end of the cleaning tool assembly
of FIG. 1, illustrated in the gripping position.
[0032] FIG. 5B is a side elevation view, in cross-section, of the
attachment end of the cleaning tool assembly of FIG. 5A,
illustrated in an intermediary release position.
[0033] FIG. 5C is a side elevation view, in cross-section, of the
attachment end of the cleaning tool assembly of FIG. 5A,
illustrated in a full release position.
[0034] FIG. 6 is an enlarged, side elevation view of a cleaning
implement of the cleaning tool assembly of FIG. 1.
[0035] FIG. 7 is an enlarged, front perspective view of a collet
device of the cleaning tool assembly of FIG. 1.
[0036] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the collet device of
FIG. 7.
[0037] FIG. 9 is an enlarged, side elevation view, in
cross-section, of the collet device of FIG. 7.
[0038] FIG. 10 is an enlarged, side elevation view, in
cross-section, of a plunger mechanism and release device of the
cleaning tool assembly of FIG. 1.
[0039] FIG. 11 is a fragmentary, enlarged, side elevation view of
the plunger mechanism of FIG. 10.
[0040] FIG. 12 is an enlarged, rear elevation view, in
cross-section, of a pushrod of the release device taken
substantially along the plane of the line 12-12 of FIG. 10.
[0041] FIG. 13 is a fragmentary, enlarged, side elevation view, in
cross-section, of the attachment end of the tool assembly of FIG.
5A.
[0042] FIG. 14 is an enlarged, rear elevation view, in
cross-section, of the sliding engagement between the plunger
mechanism and the gripping mechanism of the tool assembly taken
substantially along the plane of the line 14-14 of FIG. 5B.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0043] While the present invention will be described with reference
to a few specific embodiments, the description is illustrative of
the invention and is not to be construed as limiting the invention.
Various modifications to the present invention can be made to the
preferred embodiments by those skilled in the art without departing
from the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims. It will be noted here that for a better
understanding, like components are designated by like reference
numerals throughout the various figures.
[0044] Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, a cleaning tool assembly,
generally designated 20, is provided having a disposable cleaning
implement 21 having a cleaning element 22 mounted to a fitment 23.
As shown in FIG. 6, the fitment 23 includes an elongated post 26
extending axially from the cleaning element 22 along the
longitudinal axis 25 thereof. A retaining barb 27 is positioned at
a distal end of the elongated post 26. The tool assembly 20
includes an elongated maneuvering wand 28 having a handle portion
and a distal implement attachment end 30 thereof. The attachment
end 30 defines a wand opening 31 into a cavity 32 of the wand 28.
The wand opening 31 is formed and dimensioned for axial insertion
of the fitment post 26 therein. A gripping mechanism is disposed in
the cavity 32, and defines a mouth portion 33 substantially
co-axially aligned with a longitudinal axis 35 of the wand opening
31. The gripping mechanism 36 is configured to receive the fitment
retaining barb 27 through the mouth portion 33, and releasably grip
the fitment retaining barb 27 for axial retention there when in a
gripping position of the gripping mechanism 36 (FIGS. 1 and 5A).
The tool assembly further includes an anti-cam out feature,
generally designated 38, adapted to radially engage the fitment
post 26, when in the gripping position, to substantial prevent
pivotal movement thereof from the longitudinal axis 35 of the wand
opening 31 by more than about zero (0) degrees to about twenty-five
(25) degrees when the fitment post 26 is subjected to forces radial
to the post longitudinal axis 25.
[0045] In one aspect of the present invention, a cleaning tool
assembly is provided that incorporates an anti-cam device that
significantly limits the pivotal motion of the cleaning head
fitment in the gripping mechanism, and hence, substantially prevent
side ejection from the gripping mechanism. Accordingly, during
operational use of the cleaning tool, significantly greater lateral
forces can be applied to the cleaning implement during cleaning
with a gripping mechanism that would not otherwise be capable of
handling such forces. The design of the gripping mechanism, hence,
can primarily concentrate on axial retention of the retaining barb.
Consequently, the gripping mechanism design is substantially
simplified since lateral retention of the retaining barb is of much
less concern.
[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 5, the cleaning tool assembly
20 will now be generally described. The maneuvering wand 28 is
preferably provided by elongated 2-piece shell structures 39a and
39b that collectively define the wand cavity 32 extending
longitudinally therethrough. The maneuvering wand is preferably
gradually curved, having an increasing radius of curvature from the
handle portion to the attachment end. Such gradual curvature is not
only aesthetically pleasing, but is operably functional in that
this shape facilitates maneuverability of the tool during use.
[0047] At one end of the maneuvering wand 28 is a handle portion 40
adapted for operable gripping of the tool assembly so that the user
can handle and manipulate the cleaning implement 21. At the
opposite attachment end 30 of the wand is the gripping mechanism 36
that is configured to releasably grip the fitment retaining barb 27
for mounting of the cleaning implement to the wand. The wand
opening 31 into the wand cavity 32 is positioned at the distal
attachment end 30. In one specific configuration, as indicated, the
maneuvering wand may be comprised of two generally mirror-image
half-shell members 39a, 39b which are snap-fit, adhered or fastened
together. More preferably, at least the attachment end portion the
half-shell members are sonically welded so as to be liquid or water
impervious during cleaning use. The half-shell members 39a, 39b may
be composed of any suitable material, but are preferably comprised
of an injection molded plastic polymer such as polyethylene,
polypropelene, PVC, nylon, ABS-PC and other ABS blends, and
NORYL.TM., etc.
[0048] The gripping mechanism 36 that releasably secures the
cleaning implement 21 to the maneuvering wand 28 includes a
radially expandable collet device 41 (FIGS. 7-9) disposed in the
wand cavity 32 proximate to the wand opening. A distal portion of
the collet device 41 defines the mouth portion 33 that is formed to
receive the fitment retaining barb therethrough. In the gripping
position (FIGS. 1 and 5A), the transverse cross-sectional dimension
of the mouth portion 33 is smaller than that of the retaining barb
27, thereby axially retaining the fitment post 26 therein. In the
release position (FIGS. 2, 5B and 5C), the transverse
cross-sectional dimension of the mouth portion 33 is radially
expanded to a dimension greater than that of the retaining barb 27,
thereby permitting axial release of the retaining barb 27
therefrom. To control the operation of the gripping mechanism 36, a
plunger mechanism 42 is included that cooperates with the resilient
collet device 41 to selectively expand the mouth portion 33 thereof
radially outward from the gripping position to the release
position. The gripping mechanism further includes a release device
43 that cooperates with the plunger mechanism 42 for selective
control of the collet device by the user between the gripping and
release positions. More specifically, as best viewed in FIGS. 3 and
11, the plunger mechanism 42 includes a plunger head 44 mounted to
the distal end of a pushrod 45. Both the plunger head 44 and the
pushrod 45 are operably disposed in the wand cavity 32, and
configured for axial displacement therein. The release device
includes a slide switch 46 mounted at the opposite end of the
pushrod 45, which in turn is slideably mounted in a guide track 47
proximate to the handle portion 40 of the maneuvering wand 28.
Accordingly, as will be described in greater detail below, the
slide switch is selectively operated between a disengaged condition
(FIGS. 1 and 5A), corresponding to the gripping position of the
gripping mechanism, and an engaged condition (FIGS. 2, 5B and 5C),
corresponding to the release position of the gripping mechanism. It
will be appreciated, however, that while a slide switch is
preferred, many other manual release device actuators may be
applied such as a push button device positioned at the handle
portion or at the end thereof, a trigger or twist knob.
[0049] In one specific embodiment, the collet device 41 is conical
shaped, and includes an annular base portion 48 defining a proximal
opening 50 into a collet recess 51 thereof (FIGS. 7-9). Extending
distally from the annular base portion 48 is a plurality of finger
members 52, each of which is positioned radially about a
longitudinal axis 53 of the collet device 41. Collectively, the
interior facing displacement surfaces 54 of the finger members
define a conical-shaped collet recess 51 upon which the retaining
barb 27 of the fitment 23 is received.
[0050] FIG. 9 illustrates that finger members 52 are cantilever
mounted to the annular base portion 48 of the collet device 41
enabling a distal tip portion 55 of each finger member 52
(collectively the collet distal portion) to pivotally reciprocate
radially outward. In their natural, rested state, the finger
members 52 of the collet device 41 oriented in the gripping
position. Consequently, when the distal tip portions 55, which
collectively define the mouth portion 33, are be expanded from the
gripping position (FIGS. 1 and 5A) toward the release position
(FIGS. 2, 5B and 5C), the resilient finger members 52 bias the
distal tip portions 55 back toward the gripping position.
[0051] Accordingly, to provide such resiliency, the hollow collet
device 41 must be composed of a flexible, yet resilient material.
Such suitable rigid, yet resiliently flexible materials for the
collet device 41, include plastic polymers such as polyethylene,
nylon, ABS, NOREL.TM., etc, with optional low friction additives
including TEFLON.RTM..
[0052] In one specific configuration, the collet device 41 includes
four independent finger members 52 cantilever mounted to the base
portion 48. Each finger member 52 is separated by an alignment slot
56 extending longitudinally therealong. It will be appreciated, of
course, that the number of independent finger members 52 can be
increased or decreased without departing from the true spirit and
nature of the present invention. Collectively, each finger member
52 is circumferentially spaced about the longitudinal axis 53 to
form collet recess 51 therein.
[0053] When the conical collet device 41 is positioned in the wand
cavity 32, at the attachment end 30 of the maneuvering wand 28
(FIG. 5), the mouth portion 33 of the collet device is positioned
substantially adjacent to and in co-axial alignment with the wand
opening 31. This permits axial receipt of the fitment post 26 and
retaining barb 27 into the collet mouth portion when they are
inserted through the wand opening 31.
[0054] To axially secure the collet device 41 in the wand cavity
32, relative the maneuvering wand 28, an annular lip portion 57 of
the collet device extends radially outward from the base portion
48. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5B, this annular lip portion 57 engages
a corresponding annular slot 58 formed in the interior walls 60 of
the maneuvering wand 28 which generally define the interior wand
cavity 32. Accordingly, when the collet device 41 is positioned in
the wand cavity 32 such that the annular lip portion 57 is engaged
in the annular slot 58, the collet device will be axially secure
relative the maneuvering wand.
[0055] Moreover, the maneuvering wand 28 includes a plurality of
alignment webs 61 extending radially into the wand cavity 32 from
the interior walls 60 of the maneuvering wand. Each generally
triangular-shaped alignment web 61 corresponds to a respective
alignment slot 56 of the collet device 41, and is sized to
slideably insert therein between the adjacent finger members 52.
Accordingly, as the finger members 52 guidably reciprocate between
the gripping position and the release position, the finger members
expand and contract into the recesses formed between the radially
spaced alignment webs 61.
[0056] Turning now to FIG. 9, each distal tip portion 55 of the
finger members 52 includes a tine portion 63 extending radially
inward toward the longitudinal axis 53 thereof. These tine portions
63 define the diameter of the collet mouth portion 33, and, as will
be described, collectively function to axially retain the fitment
retaining barb 27 to the maneuvering wand in the gripping position.
A distal facing side of the tine portion 63 is a distal facing cam
surface 65, while a proximal facing contact surface 66 is disposed
on the opposite side thereof. Importantly, the proximal facing
contact surface 66 is substantially contained in a plane
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the collet
device 41.
[0057] In accordance with the present invention, when the fitment
23 of the cleaning implement 21 is axially inserted into the wand
opening 31 of the maneuvering wand 28 toward the gripping mechanism
36, the fitment 23 and the collet device 41 cooperate to axially
snap-fit together in the gripping position. Before this procedure
is described in detail, however, the cleaning implement will be
briefly detailed.
[0058] Referring now to FIG. 6, the cleaning implement 21 is
comprised of the a pliable cleaning element 22 mounted to the
fitment 23. The cleaning element 22 is preferably
cylindrical-shaped, but may be any other useful head shape
including elliptical, rectangular or square with rounded edges. The
head is also preferably composed of a pliable, resilient, absorbent
material with sponge-like properties, such as polyether and
polyurethane sponges. In some embodiments, a skrim 67 may be
included which may be impregnated or partially composed of a
cleansing material such as soap. These disposable cleaning elements
and compositions are disclosed in more detail in co-pending U.S.
patent application Ser. No. ______, filed Sep. 12, 2003, entitled
DISPOSABLE CLEANING HEAD, and incorporated by reference in its
entirety for all purposes.
[0059] The fitment 23 (FIGS. 3 and 6) upon which the cleaning
element 22 is mounted, includes a disk shaped back plate 68 that
provides support and additional stiffness to the cleaning element.
Such additional backing is important in that it allows the user to
apply a greater cleaning pressure to the cleaning element than
would otherwise be allowed given the nature of the material of the
cleaning element. As will be described in greater detail below and
in accordance with the present invention, the backing stiffness is
selected so as to permit collective bending of the cleaning element
22 and the back plate under predetermined bending force conditions.
These properties can be manipulated through the proper selection of
material composition, material thickness and structural inclusions
which, as mentioned, will be described in greater detail below.
[0060] Extending axially from the back plate 68 is a fitment post
26 formed and dimensioned for sliding axial receipt in the wand
opening 31. The fitment post 26 is preferably cylindrical shaped at
a first portion 70, and tapers inwardly at a distal second portion
71 thereof. The distal second portion 71 is mounted to the
retaining barb 27 at a neck portion 72 thereof. As best viewed in
FIGS. 3 and 6, the retaining barb 27 further includes a rounded
retaining head 73 which has a transverse cross sectional dimension
greater than that of the neck portion 72, but less than that of the
fitment post 26. At the intersection between the retaining head 73
and the neck portion 72 is an annular shoulder portion 75 which is
generally contained in a plane substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis 25 of the fitment 23. The retaining head 73
includes a rounded cam surface 76 that tapers inwardly to a
substantially planar engaging surface 77 facing proximally toward
the plunger head when mounted in the gripping mechanism 36.
[0061] The wand opening 31 and corresponding fitment post 26 are
preferably cylindrical-shaped for ease of axial insertion. It will
be appreciated, however, that the transverse cross-sectional
dimension may not be circular, and/or may be keyed. In such a
configuration, of course, for axial insertion of the fitment post
into the wand opening would first require some alignment.
[0062] In accordance with the present invention, when the fitment
post 26 is axially inserted into the wand opening 31, the rounded
cam surface 76 initially abuts against the distal facing cam
surfaces 65 of the respective tine portions of the collet device
41. As the fitment post 26 is further axially urged into the wand
opening 31 and against the distal facing cam surfaces 65 of the
finger members 52, the distal tip portions 55 thereof are caused to
spread apart radially expanding the mouth portion 33. The distal
facing cam surfaces 65 have a curvature similar to that of the
rounding cam surface 76 of the retaining head 73 which facilitate
sliding contact therebetween.
[0063] Accordingly, as the distal facing cam surfaces 65 of the
respective finger members 52 are sufficiently radially displaced,
the fitment post 26 is axially inserted until the retaining head
extends just past the tine portion 63 of the finger members. Due to
the resiliency of the finger members 52, which are biased radially
inward toward the gripping position, once past the retaining head
73, the tine portions 63 are urged back toward the gripping
position where they engage the annular shoulder portion 75 of the
retaining barb 27 (FIG. 5A). In the gripping position, thus, the
proximal facing contact surfaces 66 of the finger tine portions 63
contact and axially retain the annular shoulder portion 75 of the
retaining head 73.
[0064] An audible and/or tactile cue feature is incorporated that
informs the user that the cleaning implement 21 is properly
retained in the gripping mechanism 36. Hence, upon securing the
fitment 23 in the collet device 41, in the gripping position, the
retaining barb 27 and the finger members cooperate to audibly
and/or tactily "click".
[0065] In one configuration, this audible and/or tactile cue may be
provided by the structural configuration and resiliency of the
finger members 52 as the corresponding tine portions 63 are moved
just past the retaining head 73 of the retaining barb.
[0066] The mounting arrangement of the present invention provides a
significant axial holding force between the fitment and the
gripping mechanism in a direction away from the wand opening 31.
However, when a lateral force radial or perpendicular to
longitudinal axis 53 of the collet device 41 (represented by arrow
78 in FIG. 13) is applied to the fitment post, such as during
normal use of the cleaning tool assembly, these loads would only
need to overcome radial resiliency force of one of the finger
members 52 at distal tip portion 55 in order to dislodge the
retaining barb 27 from the collet device 41 of the gripping
mechanism 36 (i.e., side ejection or off-axis angled pull-out).
[0067] In accordance with the present invention, as mentioned
above, an anti-cam out feature or structure 38 is incorporated into
the maneuvering wand 28 that cooperates with the fitment to
substantial prevent pivotal movement of the fitment post while
mounted in the gripping mechanism 36. In particular, the anti-cam
out feature 38 limits the pivotal movement of the fitment post
relative the longitudinal axis 53 of the gripping mechanism 36 (and
hence the wand opening 31) by not more than about zero (0) degrees
to about twenty-five (25) degrees. Accordingly, when a lateral load
is placed upon the cleaning implement and transferred to the
fitment post (such as during use), the anti-cam out features
substantially absorb the lateral loads so that they are not
transferred to and placed upon the collet finger members 52,
causing inadvertent side ejection or release of the fitment 23.
[0068] Much higher loads can thus be placed upon cleaning
implement, during use, than might otherwise be permitted with the
current gripping mechanism design due to potential cam-out of the
retaining barb 27 from the collet device 41. As mentioned, this
anti-cam out feature 38 enables the design of the collet device 41
to concentrate on axial retention of the retaining barb 27, as
opposed to simultaneously providing lateral or radial retention
thereof. Consequently, the gripping mechanism design is
substantially simplified, and thus less costly, since collet device
does not require resistance to such lateral loads.
[0069] As best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 13, the anti-cam out
feature 38 includes a distal annular rib 79 positioned
substantially adjacent the wand opening 31 of the maneuvering wand.
The distal annular rib 79 includes a first contact surface 80
extending substantially circumferentially around the first portion
70 of the fitment post 26 when the retaining barb 27 is in the
gripping position. In one specific embodiment, the first contact
surface 80 is integrally formed with the maneuvering wand 28 such
that the first contact surface essentially defines the wand opening
31 into the wand cavity 32.
[0070] To prevent significant lateral displacement of the fitment
post 26 when positioned in gripping mechanism, the first contact
surface 80 of the distal annular rib 79 is dimensioned to have a
transverse cross-sectional dimension substantially similar to that
of the first portion 70 of said fitment post 26. As mentioned, it
will be appreciated that while the transverse cross-sectional
dimensions herein are shown and described as generally circular,
they could be provided by other geometric shapes as well. In fact,
other such shapes, together with the like cross-sectional
dimensions of the first contact surfaces, would be beneficial in
preventing or reducing axial rotation of the fitment post 26
relative the maneuvering wand.
[0071] In one specific arrangement, with the diameter of the
fitment post 26 in the range of 0.060 inch to about 0.750 inch, and
more preferably about 0.38 inch, the tolerance between the distal
annular rib 79 and the first portion 70 of the fitment post 26 is
in the range of about 0.001 inch to about 0.040 inch. Moreover, the
longitudinal length of the first contact surface 80 of the distal
annular rib 79 is in the range of about 0.040 inch to about 1.00
inch, and more preferably about 0.250 inch. The anti-cam out
feature 38 of the present invention further includes a proximal
annular rib 81 axially spaced-apart from the first contact surface
80 of the distal annular rib 79.
[0072] As FIG. 13 best illustrates, similar to the distal annular
rib 79, the proximal annular rib 81 includes a second contact
surface 82 that extends substantially, circumferentially around the
fitment post 26, but at a location axially spaced from the first
contact surface 80 of the distal annular rib 79. Also similar to
the distal annular rib 79, the second contact surface 82 of the
proximal annular rib 81 provides a transverse cross-sectional
dimension substantially similar to a transverse cross-sectional
dimension of the second portion 71 of the fitment post 26.
[0073] Accordingly, a sufficient lateral load urged upon the
cleaning implement (represented by arrow 78), translating to any
pivotal movement of the fitment post 26 relative the longitudinal
axis of the collet device 41, will eventually cause abutting
contact between the first contact surface 80 of the distal annular
rib 79 and the first portion 70 of the fitment post, on one side
thereof. The rigid first contact surface 80 will provide an
opposing force (represented by arrow 83) acting upon the fitment
first portion 70, causing it to teeter or pivot. Such pivotal
movement will also cause abutting contact between the second
contact surface 82 of the proximal annular rib 81 and the second
portion 71 of the fitment post, on an opposite side thereof.
Similarly, the rigid second contact surface 82 will provide an
opposing force (represented by arrow 84) acting upon the fitment
second portion 71. Consequently, the opposed contact between the
relatively rigid first and second contact surfaces, and the
relatively rigid fitment posts limit the pivotal movement relative
the collet device to not more than the mentioned about zero (0)
degrees to about twenty-five (25) degrees. More preferably, this
range is reduced to about zero (0) degrees to about twelve (12)
degrees, and even more preferably zero (0) degrees to about six (6)
degrees. In turn, these lateral forces are not translated to the
distal tip portions of the finger members to prevent inadvertent
cam-out thereof.
[0074] It will be appreciated that both the distal and proximal
annular ribs are composed of a relatively rigid material. Likewise,
the fitment post 26, as mentioned, is also composed of a relatively
rigid material. Similar to the other components, these may includes
plastic polymers such as polyethylene, nylon, ABS, NOREL.TM., etc,
with optional low friction additives including TEFLON.RTM..
[0075] In one embodiment, the proximal annular rib 81 is adapted to
engage and seat with the inwardly tapered second portion 71 of the
fitment post 26. Thus, the second contact surface 82 similarly
tapers inwardly at substantially the same slope as the second
portion 71 of the fitment post 26. When the fitment retaining barb
is positioned in the gripping position, thus, the second portion 71
substantially seats against the proximal annular rib 81. Due in
part to this seating, the fitment post 26 will thus pivot about
this region until the first portion 70 of the fitment post contacts
the first contact surface 80 of the distal annular rib 79.
[0076] To prevent liquid contact with the components of the
gripping mechanism 36 during use, a seal 86, preferably an O-ring,
is included having a central passage formed for receipt of the
fitment post 26 therethrough. This O-ring is disposed in an annular
gap 85 (FIG. 4) disposed between the distal annular rib 79 and the
proximal annular rib 81 which axially spaces the first and second
contact surfaces 80, 82, respectively. The passage through the
O-ring 86 is co-axially aligned with the wand opening 31 and mouth
portion 33 of the collet device such that upon insertion of the
fitment post 26 through the wand opening 31 to the gripping
position, the post extends through the O-ring. The O-ring 86 is
preferably composed of a resilient, non-porous, flexible material,
such as rubber or the like. Thus, to form a liquid-tight seal, when
the fitment post 26 is positioned in the gripping mechanism, the
transverse cross-sectional dimension of the passage of the O-ring
is smaller than that of the fitment post 26. Upon insertion, the
O-ring 86 is stretched about the fitment post 26, forming a
fluid-tight seal against the fitment post 26, substantially
preventing leakage into the wand cavity 32.
[0077] Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5C, the release of the cleaning
implement 21 from the gripping position (FIGS. 1 and 5A) to the
release position (FIGS. 2, 5B and 5C) will now be discussed in
detail. As mentioned above, in order to release the fitment
retaining barb 27 from the tine portions 63 of the corresponding
finger members 52, the mouth portion 33 of the collet device 41
must be radially expanded by a sufficient amount to enable release
of the retaining head 73 of the retaining barb 27. Thus, the
release device (i.e., the plunger head 44, the pushrod 45 and the
slide switch 46) must translate the linear (or axial) displacement
thereof (i.e., from the disengaged condition to the engaged
condition) to the radial displacement of the distal tip portions of
the finger members (i.e., from the gripping position to the release
position).
[0078] In the disengaged condition (FIG. 5A), it will be understood
that the plunger head 44 is completely out of contact with the
underside displacement surfaces 54 of the respective finger members
52. This permits the finger members 52 and their distal tip
portions 55 to be biased toward their natural gripping position to
axially retain the cleaning implement 21, when the retaining barb
27 is contained in the collet device 41 in the gripping position.
Moreover, in accordance with the present invention, when the slide
switch 46 and plunger head 44 are fully recessed in the disengaged
condition (FIGS. 1 and 5A), a dead band region is provided that
permits a predetermined distance of travel or play for the slide
switch 46 before any engagement of the plunger head with the collet
device occurs. Accordingly, the dead band regions substantially
eliminates inadvertent release of the fitment 23 from the gripping
mechanism since any operation of the slide switch 46 must be more
than the predetermined distance, and thus more or less an
intentional act.
[0079] This dead band region is primarily created by positioning
the plunger head 44 of the plunger mechanism 42 out of contact with
the underside displacement surfaces 54 of the respective finger
members 52. Before any contact of a cam surface 87 of the plunger
head 44 occurs, the plunger head 44, and/or the slide switch, is
configured so that it must axially displace the predetermined
distance (e.g., the dead band distance). In the preferred
embodiment, this distance is in the range of about 0.400 inch to
about 0.600 inch, and more preferably about 0.480 inch to about
0.530 inch from the fully retracted position of the slide
switch.
[0080] Briefly, as mentioned, the collet device 41 is biased toward
the gripping position through the resiliency of the finger members
52. The release device 43, however, is also biased toward the
corresponding disengaged condition, out of contact with the collet
device, and where the slide switch is fully retracted. This fully
retracted configuration provides the maximum dead band displacement
for the switch.
[0081] Hence, a biasing device 88 is provided that biases the
release device 43 toward the disengaged condition which in effect
fully retracts the slide switch 46 and the plunger head 44. This
biasing device 88 is preferably provided by a coiled compression
spring disposed about the pushrod 45. One end of the biasing spring
88 abuts against a proximal spring retainer plate 89 coupled to the
pushrod 45, while the opposite end of the biasing spring 88 abuts
against a distal spring retainer plate 90 mounted to the
maneuvering wand 28, and extending across the wand cavity. The
length of the biasing spring 88, as well as the distance between
the spring plates, are selected such that the biasing spring is
always in compression. In this manner, the release device will
position the slide switch and the plunger head fully in their
disengaged condition, as shown FIGS. 1 and 5A.
[0082] Accordingly, any release force applied by the user to move
the slide switch 46 toward the engaged condition, while the release
device 43 is in the dead band region, must at the very least
overcome the opposing force of the biasing spring 88. In one
specific embodiment, the biasing force exerted by the biasing
spring 88 and urged upon the release device 43 is in the range of
about 0.1 lbf to about 2.0 lbf.
[0083] Referring now to FIGS. 5, 10 and 11, the plunger mechanism
42 includes a cylindrical-shaped plunger head 44 distally mounted
to the pushrod 45 that longitudinally reciprocates in the wand
cavity 32 between the disengaged condition (FIG. 5A), free of
contact with the collet device 41, to the engaged condition (FIGS.
5B and 5C). The transverse cross-sectional dimension of the plunger
head 44 is smaller then and configured to reciprocate through the
proximal opening 50 of the collet base portion, and into the collet
recess 51. Thus, upon movement of the slide switch 46 in the guide
track 47 of the handle portion 40, the pushrod 45 urges the plunger
head 44 distally along the wand cavity toward the collet device 41,
and through the dead band region until the cam surface 87 of the
plunger head 44 slideably contacts an underside displacement
surface 54 of each finger member 52. Due to the collective conical,
inward taper of the underside displacement surfaces 54, the
simultaneous sliding contact between the cam surface 87 of the
plunger head 44 and underside displacement surfaces 54 cantilever
displace the finger members radially outward toward the release
position. At this position, the release force required (at the
slide switch 46) to selectively move the gripping mechanism to the
full release position is significantly increased (on the order of
about 1.0 lbf. to about 6.0 lbf., and more preferably about 1.75
lbf. to about 3.5 lbf.).
[0084] As the plunger head 44 advances toward the fully engaged
condition, the finger members are caused to increasingly radially
expand the mouth portion 33, defined by the tine portions 63
thereof, by a displacement sufficient to release of retaining head
73 of the fitment retaining barb from the collet device. It will be
noted that when the release device 43 surpasses an intermediary
threshold position (commencing at FIG. 5B) to a fully extended
engaged condition (FIG. 5C), the plunger head 44 and the finger
members 52 of the collet device cooperate to temporarily retain the
collet device 41 in the release position (with the distal tip
portions sufficiently expanded to release the retaining barb).
Prior to surpassing the intermediary threshold position, the
biasing spring 88 quickly returns the release device 43 to the
fully disengaged condition. After the intermediary threshold
position, collet device and the plunger head cooperate to delay the
return of the release device 43 to the fully disengaged condition
by the biasing spring 88. In this manner, together with the
increased release force required to move the position the plunger
head 44 past the threshold position, release of the cleaning
implement must be an intentional act.
[0085] In accordance with the present invention, retention of the
gripping mechanism 36, plunger mechanism and release device 43 at
the fully released position and fully engaged condition is
temporary. As will be explained in greater detail below, the
contacting components are designed and configured to significantly
reduce drag or frictional contact therebetween. Eventually, the
biasing spring will overcome the friction forces retaining the
plunger head fully engaged against the collet device. Thus, unlike
the relatively quick return of the release device to the disengaged
condition, by the biasing spring 88, before the threshold position,
the return after the threshold position is delayed.
[0086] In one specific configuration, the ramped slope of each
underside displacement surface 54, corresponding to the region
prior to the threshold position, of the corresponding finger member
52 is substantially linear and uniform. It will be appreciated,
however, that a more complex profile at this region can be
established as well. At the threshold region of the profile of the
underside displacement surface 54, the slope thereof increases, and
then flattens out toward, corresponding to the full engaged
condition (FIG. 9). This flatten profile after the threshold
position is what enables the temporary retention of the gripping
mechanism 36 in the release position, and the release device 43 in
the engaged condition. As above-indicated, biasing spring
eventually returns the release device 43 to the disengaged
condition, using only the biasing force from the biasing spring
88.
[0087] To remove the cleaning implement 21 from the gripping
mechanism 36, the tool assembly includes an ejection device 91 at
the distal end of the plunger mechanism 42. FIG. 11 best
illustrates that the ejection device 91 includes an ejection post
extending distally beyond the cam surface 87 of the plunger head
44. The distal end of the ejection post 91 is slightly domed, and
extends from the distal end of the cylindrical body of the plunger
head 44 by about 0.1-0.2 inches, and more preferably about 0.13
inches. As cam surface 87 of the plunger head 44 axially displaces
from the disengaged condition to the engaged condition, the
ejection post contacts the planar engaging surface 77 of the
fitment post 26. Once the distal tip portions 55 of the finger
members 52 are sufficiently expanded, the ejection post of the
plunger head ejects the retaining barb from the collet device 41
(FIG. 5C).
[0088] It will be understood, however, that the cleaning implement
21 will not be fully ejected from the maneuvering wand 28. Although
the retaining barb 27 has been ejected from the mouth portion 33 of
the collet device, the fitment post 26 is still retained in the
wand opening 31 of the maneuvering wand. That is, the anti-cam out
annular ribs will still loosely support the fitment post therein
until the maneuvering wand is directed downward. This gravity
release feature is important in that the mere actuation of the
release device 43 will not inadvertently eject the cleaning
implement 21 from the maneuvering wand 28. For example, even though
the user may intentionally actuate the slide switch 46 to release
the retaining barb, they may not have the cleaning implement 21
directly over a garbage bin at that time. As such, to cause actual
removal of the cleaning implement from the maneuvering wand, in
addition to actuation of the release device, the maneuvering wand
must also be directed downwardly for gravity release as well.
[0089] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
as briefly described above, the contacting components of the
release device 43 are configured and cooperate to reduce drag or
frictional contact therebetween. This is an important feature in
that a high axial retention force is necessary to retain the
fitment retaining barb 27 in the collet device 41 (preferably in
the range of five (5) lbf. to about fifteen (15) lbf.). However,
requiring the user to apply a similar force to operate the slide
switch past the threshold position would not consumer friendly. In
fact, consumer testing has shown that a much more desirable
actuator release force range is about one (1) lbf to about five (5)
lbf, and more preferably about one and three-quarters (13/4)
lbf.
[0090] As mentioned, it is the underside contact of the
displacement surfaces 54 of the finger members 52 by the cam
surface 87 of the axial moving plunger head 44, from the disengaged
condition to the engaged condition, that causes the radial
expansion of the distal tip portions 55 of the finger members 52,
from the gripping position to the release position. The radial
expansion is primarily generated by the frictional contact between
the axial displacement of the cam surface 87 of the plunger head 44
and the collective conically, shaped underside displacement
surfaces 54 of the finger members 52. To displace the slide switch
46 from the disengaged condition to the fully engaged condition,
therefore, the user must primarily overcome the sum of these
frictional forces and the spring biasing force caused by the
compression of the biasing spring 88. Accordingly, by significantly
reducing the frictional drag between these working surfaces of the
inter-engaging components, the desired release force at the slide
switch 46 can be more easily achieved while at the same time
providing the necessary holding force by the gripping
mechanism.
[0091] The primary source of this drag originates from the sliding
contact between the cam surface 87 at the distal circumferential
end of the plunger head 44 with the underside displacement surfaces
54 of the collet finger members. Briefly, the secondary source of
the drag originates from the sliding contact of the pushrod against
the interior walls of the maneuvering wand, as well as the flex of
the pushrod, during axial displacement between the disengaged and
engaged conditions.
[0092] One technique to reduce frictional drag between the
components is to reduce the surface area contact. As shown in FIG.
11, the longitudinal cross-sectional profile of the cam surface 87
is slightly convex shaped in a smooth and constant curvature.
Accordingly, as the plunger cam surface 87 slideably contacts the
underside displacement surfaces 54 of the finger members 52, a
relative point contact is caused at the longitudinal
cross-sectional profile thereof, or collectively, a thin circle
contact region (FIGS. 5B and 5C).
[0093] Moreover, in accordance with the present invention, the
underside displacement surfaces 54 of the finger members 52 are
also configured to reduce the drag with the plunger cam surface 87.
In a similar manner, the longitudinal cross-sectional profile of
the displacement surfaces 54 are slightly convex (FIGS. 5 and 9),
each providing a like smooth and constant curvature from the
proximal opening 50 to the distal tip portions 55 thereof.
Accordingly, the two opposed, constantly curved, convex surfaces
slideably contact one another at an even finer circular working
region in an effort to reduce drag therebetween.
[0094] In another specific embodiment, in addition to the matched
curvatures of the plunger head cam surface 87 and the underside
displacement surface 54 of the associated finger member 52, the
frictional drag therebetween is reduced still further. As viewed in
FIGS. 8, 9 and 14, protruding radially inwardly from each underside
displacement surface 54 of the associated finger member is at least
one upstanding contact rib 92. These radially spaced-apart contact
ribs generally extend in a direction longitudinal to the collet
device 41, and are bowed or convex-shaped in a profile generally
mirroring that of the longitudinal cross-sectional profile of the
cam surface 87. In addition, each contact rib is also convex shaped
in the transverse cross-sectional dimension (FIG. 14), creating
essentially a point-to-point contact of each contact rib 92 and the
cam surface 87 of the plunger head 44. In essence, a reduced
friction, virtual working surface is generated between the plunger
cam surface 87 and the underside displacement surfaces 54.
[0095] Preferably, two spaced-apart contact ribs 92 are provided
for each displacement surface 54 of the corresponding finger
members 52. For example, in the four finger members of the collet
device 41, there are a total of eight (8) radially spaced-apart
upstanding contact ribs 92. FIG. 14 best illustrates, therefore,
that there are essentially eight sliding contact points between the
collet displacement surfaces 54 and the plunger cam surface 87. It
will be appreciated, however, that more or less upstanding contact
ribs 92 can be increased or decreased. Generally, a minimum number
of contact points is desirable, while providing sufficient
stability of the sliding contact.
[0096] To even further reduce frictional drag, the coefficient of
friction between the collet displacement surfaces 54 and the
plunger cam surface 87 is reduced. This may be performed by
smoothing these contacting surfaces to remove and eliminate any
burring and/or imperfections to provided a uniformly curved and
polished surface on each of the upstanding contact ribs 92 and the
plunger cam surface 87. Accordingly, the more polished the sliding
surfaces, the lower the coefficient of friction therebetween.
[0097] Another technique to reduce the coefficient of friction
therebetween is through material selection, the inclusion of other
friction modifiers, and/or the addition of other friction reducing
materials. For example, such low friction materials include nylon,
polypropelene, polyethylene, TEFZEL.RTM., TEFLON.RTM. materials,
and acetal, etc. Friction modifiers may include plastics having
additives made of one or more of the following: TEFLON.RTM. (PTFE),
oils, molybendum disulfide, and graphite.
[0098] Finally, the contact angle between the curvature of the
plunger cam surface 87 and the curvature of the upstanding contact
ribs 92 are matched to eliminate or substantially reduce the
wedging effect between the two sliding contact components. With two
surfaces in sliding contact with one another, the contact angle
determines the wedging action therebetween. By matching the
curvature of the underside displacement surfaces 54 of the collet
device to the curvature of the plunger cam surface 87, a constant
line of contact therebetween can be achieved. In the current
embodiment, the plunger head pushes on two raised ribs 92, whose
surface intersects a virtual constant curvature along the plunger
path. For example, if the collective underside displacement
surfaces 54 of the collet device were cone-shaped and the plunger
head 44 were sphere-shaped, the curvature of the displacement
surface of each collet finger would only match the plunger cam
surface at one point along its path. In this example, hence,
everywhere else along the path would have point contacts.
[0099] Preferably, the contact angle is in the range of about three
(3) Degrees per side to about twenty (20) Degrees per side, an more
preferably about twelve (12) Degrees per side with the collet
device in the gripping position.
[0100] The combination of the contact angles between the curvature
of the plunger cam surface 87 and the curvature of the upstanding
contact ribs 92, and the coefficient of friction therebetween,
wedging will be eliminated or substantially reduced between the
collet device 41 and the plunger head 44, even when the plunger
head is past the threshold displacement portion and in the fully
engaged condition. Accordingly, as mentioned, once the user
selectively releases operation of the slide switch when fully in
the engaged condition (FIG. 5C), although delayed, the opposite
biasing force of the biasing spring 88 will return the release
device to the normal disengaged condition (FIG. 5A).
[0101] An additional advantage of this ribbed configuration is that
it provides a self-cleaning function. Since these longitudinally
extending contact ribs 92 are upstanding from the corresponding
displacement surface 54, any contaminate will tend to migrate
between the intermediary space between the contact ribs. This self
cleaning feature, accordingly, helps reduce contaminant scoring and
retain the highly polished contacting surfaces in their highly
polished state for a greater duration.
[0102] The sliding frictional contact between the release pushrod
45 and the interior walls of the maneuvering wand 28 is also
reduced. This is especially imperative since the maneuvering wand
28 is slightly curved. Thus, the dynamic interaction of the pushrod
45, as it displaces between the disengaged condition and the
engaged condition, is significantly different than if the
maneuvering wand were generally straight. That is, since the
maneuvering wand 28 is curved, frictional contact between the
pushrod 45 and the interior walls 60 of the maneuvering wand 28
will likely occur, increasing collective frictional drag.
[0103] To reduce the inherent contact of the pushrod 45 against the
interior walls 60 defining the longitudinal wand cavity 32 as the
release device reciprocates between the disengaged condition and
the engaged condition, the pushrod 45 is configured to have a
curvature, in its natural steady state, similar to that of the
maneuvering wand 28. This is clearly shown in FIGS. 3 and 10, which
illustrates the release device 43 in a longitudinal cross-sectional
dimension.
[0104] To facilitate centering and support of the pushrod 45 in the
wand cavity 32 as the release device 43 reciprocates between the
disengaged and the engaged condition, the maneuvering wand includes
a plurality of support bearings 93 axially spaced-apart along the
longitudinal axis of the wand cavity (FIGS. 3 and 5). Each support
bearing 93 is plate-like, and is disposed substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the maneuvering wand 28.
Extending longitudinally through each support bearing is a
generally circular aperture defined by a bearing surface 95.
[0105] The diameter of the circular aperture is sufficiently large
to enable reciprocal passage of the pushrod 45 therethrough. The
tolerance between the diameter of the circular aperture and the
diameter of the pushrod 45, for instance, is in the range of about
0.003 inch to about 0.050 inch, and more preferably about 0.010
inch per side. In one example, the pushrod diameter is in the range
of about 0.050 inch to about 0.375 inch, and more preferably about
0.17 inch, while the diameter of the circular aperture is about
0.19 inch.
[0106] As the pushrod axially reciprocates, portions of the
exterior surfaces of the pushrod 45 slideably engage the bearing
surfaces 95 of the support bearings 93 to center the pushrod 45 and
prevent sliding contact with the interior walls 60 defining the
wand cavity. As mentioned, this is specifically imperative since
the wand cavity is slightly curved. In the specific embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 3, six (6) support bearings 93 are axially
spaced-apart along the wand cavity 32 in addition to the bearing
surface of the distal spring retainer plate 90. The spacing between
adjacent support bearings 93 is slightly less in the wand cavity
were the bend radius is more pronounced. Just at the region just
distal to the sliding switch, bearing structure spacing is smaller
than that at the attachment end of the maneuvering wand, since the
likelihood of frictional contact with the interior walls is
increased.
[0107] To reduce frictional sliding contact, similar to the plunger
cam surface 87 and the finger underside displacement surfaces 54,
the bearing surfaces 95 are each convex-shaped in a smooth and
constantly curved manner. Thus, FIGS. 5A-5C best illustrate that
any sliding contact with the exterior surface of the pushrod 45
with be essentially a point contact with the respective bearing
surface 95.
[0108] In accordance with the present invention, the pushrod 45
must be sufficiently flexible to negotiate the curvature of the
maneuvering wand 28 during reciprocal movement therethrough, yet be
sufficiently stiff to open the finger members upon engagement with
the plunger head 44. The bending and stiffniess properties can be
controlled through material selection, thickness of the pushrod, as
well as the pushrod design. Generally, however, a stiffness in the
range of about 0.06 inch to about 1.0 inch deflection with the
slide switch end clamped and about a seven (7) gram weight attached
to the plunger tip, and more preferably about 0.17 inch deflection
with seven (7) gram weight.
[0109] Moreover, in one configuration and as shown in FIG. 12, the
transverse cross-sectional dimension of the pushrod is generally
cross-shaped. Each cross portion 96 of the pushrod has a height of
preferably about 0.17 inch. Further, each cross portion 96 extends
substantially the longitudinal length of the pushrod, and
terminates radially at a rounded, smoothly curved lobes 97.
Accordingly, as the release device 43 is urged between the
disengaged condition and the engaged condition, if any sliding
contact occurs between the pushrod curved lobes 97 and bearing
surfaces 95 of any of the support bearings, the frictional contact
will be significantly reduced similar to the techniques applied
above. These include matching of the contacting angles between the
sliding surfaces, as well as polishing the surfaces to reduce the
coefficient of friction therebetween.
[0110] Collectively, by applying the design and friction reducing
techniques discussed, the drag between the plunger head and the
collet device, as well as between the pushrod 45 and the support
bearings can be significantly reduced. Accordingly, the tool
assembly designed in accordance with the present invention is
capable of achieving a sufficiently high holder force on the order
of about five (5) lbf to about fifteen (15) lbf., and more
preferably about nine (9) lbf to about eleven (11) lbf., while at
the same time achieving a consumer friendly release force at the
slide switch on the order of about one (1) lbf to about five (5)
lbf, and more preferably about one and three-quarters (13/4) lbf.
to about three and one-half (31/2) lbf.
[0111] Although only a few embodiments of the present inventions
have been described in detail, it should be understood that the
present inventions may be embodied in many other specific forms
without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions.
* * * * *